Opposing of the development, the CPRE argues the University of Surrey has failed to build on land already taken out of the green belt at Manor Park 15 years ago - with only one third of the planned university residences being built since then.

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Guildford Draft Local Plan

The campaign says there are therefore no "exceptional circumstances" to justify building on more green belt land.

But The University of Surrey, which owns the land, has said it is "playing its part in addressing Guildford's urgent need for housing".

Tim Harrold, chairman of CPRE Guildford District, said: “There is plenty of room available for promised student accommodation to be built on university campus and currently allocated for surface car parks.

"By delivering more student housing on its campuses, the university would free up more than 1,000 affordable homes in the town centre for key workers and their families, and this would avoid the need to provide these homes in the setting next to an AONB.

"The university should also increase the density of buildings and offices on its neighbouring Surrey Research Park, rather than seek to harm our best countryside.”

A University of Surrey spokesman said: “There is an urgent need for more housing of all types in Guildford, and the University is playing its part in addressing that need.

"By far the greater housing need in the area is for the wider community - young families, key workers and the elderly – and the university supports the local plan because it believes this needs to be addressed.

"The university is also acutely aware of the need for any development to be sympathetic to its surroundings in every respect, and welcomes the public consultation.

"The student demand for housing is only a small part of the housing need. The university has a strong track record for delivering to this need having already built 1,850 units at Manor Park, a further 1,050 are under construction and more are planned for early delivery."

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